By Lori Dugan/EAC
THATCHER — The Eastern Arizona College Chamber Orchestra (EACCO), under the direction of Franklin Alvarez, will present the 29th annual Starlight Strings concert on Wednesday, October 1, at 7 p.m., in the Lee Little Theater. Admission is free, and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
This year’s concert also marks Alvarez’s 21st anniversary as conductor of the Starlight Strings series. Since 2004, he has guided the orchestra through this beloved tradition, shaping the concerts with his artistry and imagination while making them one of EAC’s most anticipated cultural events.
Under Alvarez’s leadership, the series has grown into themed performances that audiences eagerly anticipate. Past programs have included Classical Rock, Chamber Music and Friends, Strings Stravaganza, Not So Original, and Animal Kingdom. Other concerts have highlighted particular styles and eras, with titles like Movie Magic, The Baroque Sound, Sweet Suites, and the witty Bach–Roque Time! Each theme has added a new dimension while preserving the spirit of the series.
This year’s performance, Level Up: A Night of Timeless Video Game Melodies, bridges generations. From the catchy 8-bit tunes of early consoles to the sweeping scores of today’s blockbuster games, the program highlights the artistry of video game music and the versatility of the orchestra.
Alvarez, a long-time and well-loved director, brings a wealth of international experience as both performer and educator. Before joining EAC, he served as principal violist with the Colombia Symphony Orchestra in Bogotá and taught at Antioquia University in Medellín, Colombia. He also performed with the Eugene Symphony, the Oregon Mozart Players, and the Oregon Bach Festival Orchestra while pursuing his doctoral studies at the University of Oregon.
Event details:
- What: 29th Annual Starlight Strings: Level Up – A Night of Timeless Video Game Melodies
- When: Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 7 p.m.
- Where: Lee Little Theater, Eastern Arizona College
- Admission: Free
For more information, call (928) 428-8472 or visit www.eac.edu.
About Eastern Arizona College:
Since 1888, Eastern Arizona College has been the undisputed Smart Higher Education Destination, shaping student dreams into reality. With a faculty of qualified and caring instructors, EAC is committed to preparing students for high-demand careers and advanced studies at top universities.
EAC offers a diverse range of more than 90 degrees and certificates, including two bachelor’s degrees. The College is home to the state’s premier nursing school and a fine arts program that features Arizona’s only community college marching band. EAC also boasts an engineering program that prepares students for success at top-tier firms and universities.
Beyond academics, EAC is a vibrant community where students thrive, forging connections that last a lifetime. Experience on-campus housing, engage in over 30 clubs and organizations, participate in dynamic intramurals, and cheer for nationally ranked athletic and e-sports teams.
What sets EAC apart is its commitment to financial accessibility, allowing most students to graduate with $0 debt.
Choose EAC as your Smart Higher Education Destination. For more information, contact admissions@eac.edu or call (928) 428-8270.
